Rep. Cherie Cruz

Maddy summaryHB 7289 prohibits law enforcement from seizing property under controlled substances laws without first obtaining a criminal conviction. This directly affects property owners who might otherwise face asset forfeiture before a court finds them guilty of a crime. The bill modifies existing forfeiture procedures by requiring a criminal conviction before civil forfeiture can proceed, with limited exceptions for vehicles used by common carriers. It changes the process so that assets cannot be taken through civil means until after a criminal case concludes.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates February 3, 2026, as "National Women Physicians Day" within Rhode Island. It commemorates the legacy of pioneering female physicians, including Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell (first woman to earn a U.S. medical degree) and Dr. Velma Scantlebury-White (first Black woman transplant surgeon), while highlighting women's contributions to medicine. The resolution directs Rhode Island's Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the president of the Rhode Island Medical Women’s Association (RIMWA). It is purely ceremonial, with no policy changes or funding impacts.

Requires health insurance policies to cover licensed certified lactation counselor services for childbearing families. It would also prohibit requiring supervision or duplicate payments for services and mandates annual reporting.

Maddy summaryHB 7276 prohibits insurance companies from requiring copays, deductibles, or other cost-sharing for specific breast examinations. It directly affects individuals with health insurance who need diagnostic exams (to evaluate breast abnormalities) or supplemental exams (for high-risk screening based on medical history). The law requires all group and individual health insurance plans to cover these exams without out-of-pocket costs. The bill takes effect January 1, 2027.

Requires health insurance plans to cover services provided by licensed certified professional midwives. Insurers would be required to report utilization and cost data annually and certain limited benefit policies would be exempt.

Requires that all cosmetics manufactured, sold, delivered, held or offered for sale contain a label that completely and accurately list all of their component ingredients.

Sets a clear and enforceable standard for reducing the presence of harmful metals in personal care products, prioritizing public health through testing, labeling, and the development of safer alternatives.

Maddy summaryHB 7214 prohibits pharmacies, distributors, and sellers from charging "unreasonably excessive" prices for vital prescription drugs during declared market shortages. It defines "vital drugs" as those treating serious or life-threatening conditions with no available alternatives, and "market shortage" as inadequate supply meeting demand. Violators face felony charges, up to five years in prison, and $10,000 fines for intentionally exploiting shortages. The law requires governors to declare shortages via executive order, with penalties applying only to prices grossly above pre-shortage levels in the local area.

Directs the office of law revision to identify, on a yearly basis, any decisions or holding of the United States Supreme Court that would require amendments to any state statutes.

Directs the council on elementary and secondary education to develop recommendations for a high school curriculum to prepare students for successful postsecondary education and careers in computer science.